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1 Ergonomics Challenges and Solutions for an Aging Workforce Central Florida Chapter ASSE Ergonomics Workshop June 6, 2011 Ronald W. Porter, PT CEAS III [email protected] Back School of Atlanta www.backschoolofatlanta.com 800-783-7536

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Page 1: 1 Ergonomics Challenges and Solutions for an Aging Workforce Central Florida Chapter ASSE Ergonomics Workshop June 6, 2011 Ronald W. Porter, PT CEAS III

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Ergonomics Challenges and Solutions

for an Aging Workforce

Central Florida Chapter ASSE

Ergonomics Workshop

June 6, 2011

Ronald W. Porter, PT CEAS [email protected]

Back School of Atlantawww.backschoolofatlanta.com

800-783-7536

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ObjectivesObjectives

Review specific risks for aging workers that contribute to accidents, injuries and musculoskeletal disorders.

Examine some of the facets of the risk factors of vision, hearing, strength, flexibility, coordination, temperature regulation and shift work for ALL workers.

Discuss the short and long term opportunities for improvement of the aging worker’s environment.

Understand prevention issues including fitness

programs (Ergo Breaks) for the aging worker.

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ObjectivesObjectives

Grow skills and to have

FUN!

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What is your definition of an “Aging Worker”?

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What is your definition of an “Aging Worker”?

In 1985 18% of people in their late 60s were employed.

In 2006, 29% of people in their late 60s were employed

In 2009 AARP reported that 70% of adults 60 and older plan to work onto their retirement years.

In addition to working longer than previous generations, baby boomers are more fit and active!

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There is often a

LACK LACK of perception by workers as to the

actual risks of their job.

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Known Hazards of the JOB

Ergonomics Challenges and Solutions for an Aging Workforce

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Known Hazards?

Ergonomics Challenges and Solutions for an Aging Workforce

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What is a Persistent injury ?

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What is a What is a PersistentPersistent injury? injury?

Pain and dysfunction as a result of static and/or awkward postures especially when there is force, repetition, vibration or contact stress involved.

The tissues most often involved are the muscles, nerves, tendons and/or fascia.

“An Ergonomic injury is primarilyprimarily a

Nutrient Pathway Disorder.”

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What causes the Persistent injury ?

Aging Workforce Poor Physical Fitness Levels Increased Work Load More Physical Fatigue More Mental Fatigue Better Educated on MSDs Static Work & Home Postures One Size Fits All---Job, Home & Recreational

Activities

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Some other factors forthe Persistent injury problem

Companies – piece work & incentive programs

Labor vs. management posturing Employee denial of issues Chronic Stress situations (work & home) Life styles “Mechanical fit” mindset

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How do we control or prevent the Persistent injury ? Apply ergonomics principles to job design

(proactive NOT reactive ergonomics). Match the physical demands of the job to the

physical capabilities of the worker (Employment Testing & FCE).

Educate the worker on their responsibility in ergonomics principles and self care.

Train managers and workers to recognize early warning signs & Aging Workforce issues for MSDs.

Understand FATIGUE ! Grow “Ergo Leaders “ AND………………………..

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How Do We Control or Prevent the persistent injury? “ERGO Breaks”

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What is the What is the Nutrient Pathway?Nutrient Pathway?

The delivery of nutrients to tissue and the subsequent removal of waste products of metabolism.

The maintenance of the most patent vascular and lymph system assures the most healthy physiological environment.

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Circulation andCirculation and

ILO Encyclopedia drawing

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Static work increases pressure inside the muscle, along with the mechanicalcompression occludes blood circulation partially or totally. End product is hampered delivery of nutrients & oxygen leading to fatigue. Also neurological signs over time. ILO Encyclopedia Drawing

Circulation andCirculation and

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What are theWhat are the TriggersTriggers for for Nutrient Pathway Obstruction?Nutrient Pathway Obstruction?

Poor equipment Poor work habits Unsafe work environments Poor work station/task design Stressful work environment / work shift Work conflict labor / management Home issues overflow

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What What SustainsSustains Nutrient Pathway Nutrient Pathway obstruction?obstruction?

Chronic & Static Poor Posture Habits/situations High Repetitive Tasks Heavy or Sustained Forces Recurrent Contact Stress or Direct Pressure Prolonged Vibration Pathology / questionable health habits Deconditioning / Obesity

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Vicious Cycle

Muscle Guarding

Circulatory Stasis

RestrictedMotion

Muscle Spasms

Myositis &/or Ischemia

PAINPAIN

Retention of Metabolites

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Age Considerations Age Considerations & Ergonomics& Ergonomics

The Aging (Mature) Workforce

in the United States

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Our Our AgingAging Workforce Workforce

In 1972 the average age of a U.S. worker was 28

In 2010 the average age of a U.S. worker was 46

In 2011 the Median age is 40.6

Currently 25+ million workers are 55 or older

In 2014 33% of workforce will be over 50 years old – 53.5 million workers

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Older Population to Grow Much Older Population to Grow Much Faster Than Total Population in Faster Than Total Population in U.S.U.S.

In 2012 the baby-boomers will be 48-66 years old.

The labor force will continue to age, with the annual growth rate of 55 and older group to be 4.1%. This is FOUR TIMES the rate of growth (1.1%) of the overall labor force.

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Older Population to Grow Much Older Population to Grow Much Faster Than Total Population in Faster Than Total Population in U.S.U.S.

In the age group of 70 to 74, 1 in 8 is employed full or part time

More Older workers will remain/return to workforce begin as “baby boomers” can not afford to retire

Extensive research has found no relationship between age and on the job performance (Maturity Works)

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Connective Tissue ChangesConnective Tissue Changes The chemistry of cartilage, which

provides cushioning between bones, changes. With less water content, the cartilage becomes more susceptible to stress. As cartilage degenerates, arthritis can develop.

Ligaments, connective tissues between bones, become less elastic, reducing flexibility. For Most People……….For Most People……….

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How does this effect Ergonomics?How does this effect Ergonomics?

Older workers tend to take twice as long to recover from injuries

Older workers are 1/3 less likely than younger workers to be hurt severely enough to miss work

BUT Older workers are more likely to die of injuries than younger workers The rate of fatal injuries per 100,000 workers

15 for workers age 65 and older5 for workers 25-34

Page 28: 1 Ergonomics Challenges and Solutions for an Aging Workforce Central Florida Chapter ASSE Ergonomics Workshop June 6, 2011 Ronald W. Porter, PT CEAS III

2011 Injury Rates

Many companies are experiencing the highest injury rates with workers 18-29 and over 55+ years of age.

What are the causes?

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Seniors Fight BackSeniors Fight Back

Positive Aspects of Senior Workers

Less absenteeismLess likely to leave company

Seniors are more willing and excited about changesNewswise 3-21-05

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Workforce issues for Workforce issues for OLDER OLDER workersworkers that need to be addressed that need to be addressed for allfor all..

Hearing-loss - (difficulty w/ sound discriminations or speech especially in noisy environments.)

Eyesight equity - (diminished depth perception, acuity, glare) Strength –loss (15-20% b/w 20-60 yrs.) Flexibility –loss (reach range decreased)

Reflexes -decreased Hand-eye coordination– (diminished w/ decreased vision) Endurance –decreased (earlier onset of fatigue) Stamina –decreased (heat regulation a factor) Balance –decreased (secondary to posture changes) Sleep patterns – (difficulty adapting to changes in shifts effects

rest)

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Hearing Loss and Aging Workers

According to the National Institute of Health

www.nih/gov

Hearing loss is one of the most common conditions affecting older adults.

1/3 of all adults over 60 years of age has hearing loss.

50% of people over 85 have hearing loss.

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Hearing Loss and Aging Workers

Northwestern University Audiologist reports:

www.northwestern.edu

In December 2005 a Northwestern audiologist and professor found that hearing loss in younger people with the use of iPods and earbud headphones can produce sounds of 115 decibels resulting in hearing loss normally found in AGING adults!

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Northwestern University Audiologist reports:

www.northwestern.edu

Earbuds placed directly in the ears can boast sound by 6-9 decibels, enough to cause hearing loss after 75 minutes.

60 percent/60 minute rule- Use at levels of 60% of maximum volume for no more then 60 minutes a day.

To avoid permanent hearing loss in the middle range (conversation with background noise) use OLDER style larger headphones that rest over the ear or noise canceling headphones to keep volume lower.

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Hearing-loss (difficulty w/ sound discriminations or speech especially in noisy environments.)

It can cause you to misunderstand communication

It can cause you to miss important safety warnings

It can create unhealthy stress Noise can result in temporary or

permanent hearing loss

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How Hearing Is Damaged

Hearing ability relies on delicate parts that can be damaged in the inner and middle ear

Hair-like cells in the inner ear are flattened by high noise levels and injured over time

Hearing loss is gradual Hearing damage is

permanentImage Credit: OSHA

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Safe LevelsSafe Levels<80 dB generally considered ok.Duration Allowable rates of time.

- Good hearing threshold = 20dB = no noted limits- Conversation level = 60dB

- Subway car at 20 ft = 90 dB = 8 hrs/day

- Punch Press/blow dryer = 100 dB = 2 hrs/day

- Rock Concert/jet engine = 115 dB = .25 hr or less- Threshold of Pain = 140 dB = < seconds

- > 100 dB cause Headaches,& BP

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OSHA Regulations 90 dB TWA for 8-hour exposure 95 dB TWA for 4-hour exposure 100 dB TWA for 2-hour exposure 105 dB TWA for 1-hour exposure Use engineering controls, administrative

controls, and personal protective equipment (hearing protection) to meet standards

Increased pressures = decreased PRODUCTIVE work time

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AuditoryAuditory Displays at Work Displays at Work

Used when info is short, simple and transitory in nature and requires

immediate response. Used to warn, alert or cue Verbal or non-verbal Increased effectiveness with visual

stimulation given simultaneously When one sense (hearing) is

compromised the other senses take on more significance!

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Hearing-loss (difficulty w/ sound discriminations or speech especially in

noisy environments.)

Solutions Baseline Hearing Exams Use of appropriate hearing

protection systems Provide important info in multiple forms Decrease Noisy Work Environment

(Machinery, co-workers) Decrease Background Noise

(heating & A/C, florescent lighting)

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Eyesight equity -(diminished depth perception, acuity, glare)

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Vision Loss and the Aging Workforce

According to a September 2008 “Special Report on Aging and Vision Loss” by the National Center for Health Statistics:

By the year 2030 rates of vision loss will double along with the country’s aging population. 70 million Americans will be over 65 years of age.

www.cdc/gov/nchs.htm

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Vision Loss and the Aging Vision Loss and the Aging WorkforceWorkforce

Vision Loss refers to individuals who reported that they have trouble seeing, even when wearing glasses or contact lenses, as well as to individuals who reported that they are blind or unable to see at all.

Legally Blind refers to those with central visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye with the best possible correction.

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Four Leading Eye Diseases Four Leading Eye Diseases Affecting Affecting Aging AmericansAging Americans

Age-related Macular Degeneration –Blurred vision, image distortion, central scotoma (blind spot), difficulty reading.

Cataracts- Blurred vision, glare, monocular diplopia (double vision)

Diabetic retinopathy- Blurred vision, floaters, visual field loss, poor night vision

Glaucoma – Visual field loss, blurred vision (late)

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Percentage of Americans with Percentage of Americans with Visual ImpairmentVisual Impairment by Age by Age

AGE

18 – 44 years45 – 64 years65 -74 years75 years & over

% of Americans with Vision Loss

5.4% 12.2% 13.6% 21.7%

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Vision and AgingVision and Aging

Presbyopia (prez-bee-OH-pee-uh) is a slow loss of ability to see close objects or small print.

You may not notice any change until after the age of

40. People with presbyopia often hold reading materials

at arm’s length.

Headaches or "tired eyes“ occur while reading or doing other close work.

Page 47: 1 Ergonomics Challenges and Solutions for an Aging Workforce Central Florida Chapter ASSE Ergonomics Workshop June 6, 2011 Ronald W. Porter, PT CEAS III

If nearsighted, frequent extended computer use can

lead to glaucoma

Japanese researchers found myopic individuals, using

computers for 4 or more hours daily over 10-20 years were 70% more likely to develop early signs

of glaucoma.

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Computer users take note:Computer users take note:CVS-CVS-Computer Vision SyndromeComputer Vision Syndrome

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Eye Functions Eye Functions CompromisedCompromised at Computerat Computer

Ocular motility-Less frequent eye movement Focusing- Less Accommodation Problems occur with onset of fatigue of eye

muscles & leads to increased down time and blurred vision = more errors and decreased productivity. The American Optometric Assoc. 10-7-02

Cataract victims may work better with White letters on Black background. Dr. Anshel-The Ergonomic Report 2003

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Importance of the BlinkImportance of the Blink Dry eyes =lack of tears or make poor quality tears.

Uncomfortable, causing itching, burning, or even some loss of vision.

Using a humidifier in the home or special eye drops ("artificial tears").

Surgery may be needed for more serious cases of dry eyes.

Tearing, from being sensitive to light, wind, or temperature changes.

Protecting your eyes (by wearing sunglasses, for instance) can decrease dryness.

Dry eyes may also mean a more serious problem, such as an eye infection or a blocked tear duct.

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Vision and AgingVision and Aging Instructions on labels and dials were found to

be best when printed with:

Arial 22 vs. Times New Roman 12

APPROXIMATELY 3X LARGER.

British Journal of Ophthalmology 11-2004

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Eyesight equity - (diminished depth perception, acuity, glare)

SOLUTIONS

Baseline eye exams for new workers Provide annual exam and glasses for workers

that spend more then 2-4 hours at visually stressful jobs

Larger screens and monitor arms for correct screen placement

BLACK type on white background Cataract victims may work better with White letters

on Black background. Dr. Anshel-The Ergonomic Report 2003

Task lighting & over head light review & modifications

Ergonomics Challenges and Solutions for an Aging Workforce

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Strength –loss (15-20% b/w 20-60 yrs.)

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Muscle ChangesMuscle Changes Aging muscles

As muscles age, they begin to shrink and lose mass. This is a natural process, but

a sedentary lifestyle can accelerate it. The number and size of muscle fibers also

decrease. Thus, it takes muscles longer to respond in our 50’s than they did in our 20’s.

The water content of tendons, decreases as we age. This makes the tissues stiffer and less able to tolerate stress.

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Grip strength losses with Grip strength losses with AgeAge

Left Hand• Age 30…….64 lb.• Age 50…….58 lb.• Age 60…….48 lb.

Right Hand (dominant)

• Age 30…..99 lb.• Age 50…..92 lb.• Age 60…..86 lb.

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Flexibility –loss (reach range decreased)

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Joint Changes

Aging joints Joint motion becomes more restricted

and flexibility decreases with age because of changes in tendons and ligaments

As the cushioning cartilage begins to break down from a lifetime of use, joints become inflamed and arthritic

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Reflexes - ↓ decreasedWith aging there is an increase in

synaptic delay and a 5-10% decrease in the speed of nerve conduction. The speed of nerves declines to 92% by age 50. Amounts of neurotransmitters are reduced, and the number of receptor sites decrease. These changes result in progressive slowing of responses and reflexes.

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Reflexes - ↓ decreased

Reaction time

SLOWED

when operating

machinery.

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Hand- eye coordinationHand- eye coordination––(diminished w/ decreased vision)(diminished w/ decreased vision)

More accidents and tool use problems

Increased slips, trips and falls

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Solutions“Ergo Breaks”

for Industrial Athletes

Ergonomics Challenges and Solutions for an Aging Workforce

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Endurance – ↓decreased (earlier onset of fatigue)

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FATIGUE What is it ?

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FATIGUE is a Warning!

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Fatigue-what is it?

Two general types depending on site of impairment, “Peripheral & Central Fatigue“Peripheral & Central Fatigue” -Often occur together.

Peripheral Fatigue- Muscle fatigue primarily related to adequacy of circulation

High-energy phosphates from oxidative metabolism make metabolites (CO2 H ions, pyruvic acid, water etc.) that

change chemistry of the fibers, nutrient levels and increases temperature.

Contraction can decrease flow by 60% & can trigger P.F.

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CentralCentral FatigueFatigue

Central fatigue is related to “Psycho-physical” aspect of work capacity.

A feeling of tiredness or a perception of increased exertion though working at the same work level as before. (“Will to win”)

May occur with high mental intensity tasks & performance errors are considered “Behavioral symptoms” .

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CentralCentral Fatigue Fatigue cont’d Work without regular breaks is more likely

to lead to central fatigue even if the muscles themselves are not fatigued.

Boring, unstimulating, mindless or monotonous tasks.

It is not the same as an injury It is not the same as an injury impairment although production impairment although production reduction may seem the same.reduction may seem the same.

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MentalMental FatigueFatigue Occurs due to the coping process of a mental

workload (MWL).

Long term or high intensity task results in

Mental Overload (fatigue)

Long term redundant sub-optimum work= Mental Under-load (monotony,) with resultant stress symptoms.

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GenderGender Differences in FatigueDifferences in Fatigue Women appear to be more resistant to

dynamic fatigue. Possibly due to metabolism efficiency of women.

However, during ischemic activities (static) endurance was equal to men. Possibly due to greater reserves in the increased muscle mass of men.

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Clinical Signs of Clinical Signs of MentalMental FatigueFatigue

Malaise Antisocial behavior Incompatibility Tendency to depression Lack of energy Loss of initiative

Psychosomatic sx. Vertigo Cardiac / respiratory

disturbance Loss of appetite Digestive disorders Insomnia

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Stamina – ↓decreased (heat regulation is a factor)

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Heat Stress as a Source for Injury Risk

The phrase "heat stress" refers to a group of heat-related illnesses that include heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. These problems stem from the body not being able to keep itself at its proper operating temperature due to excessive external temperatures

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Safe Ranges-Safe Ranges-HeatHeat

Human Body Homeostasis =98.6° F / 37° degrees C Comfortable = 70-80° w/ humidity to 70 % (Summers 68-75 Winter 73-79 degrees) Uncomfortable= 85° w/ 90 % humidity Increased body temp and distress= 92° & 90% humidity

Modifier:Modifier:Humidity =% water vapor in the airDuration = can adapt but usually <1 hr Intensity of workClothing and PPEPersonal characteristics- AGE

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Heat Stress

The following information is from the article:

“How Heat Stress Affects Performance” by Bruce Baker, MS & John LaDue, Occupational Health & Safety, May 2010, pp 28-32.

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Effects of Heat Stress

Foundries, heavy machine manufacturing, shipbuilding, paper mills, warehouses, outdoor workers and others are subjected to heat stress.

Worker’s ability to focus attention and reaction times are dramatically reduced by even a 2% dehydration level due to heat stress.

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Effects of Heat Stress

NASA telegraph workers ERRORS

80 degrees F - 5/hr & 19 after 3 hrs 90 degrees F - 9/hr & 27 after 3 hrs 95 degrees F - 60/hr & 138 after 3 hrs

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SOLUTIONS for Heat Stress

EDUCATE workers on Heat Stress & Hydration Active cooling products (shirts, vests & hats)

using water use conduction to enhance the body’s capacity to cool . These products slow the rate at which the core body temperatures rises by using conduction to cool the blood pumped to the skin.

This slows fluid loss caused by sweating. Water is faster than air in cooling a subject.

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Safe Range-Safe Range- ColdColdWhen skin temperature reaches:

<25 °C = 77°F tissue metabolism decreases

<20° C = 68° F reduced manual dexterity and increased sx. of nerve impairment & low peripheral circulation.

18° C = 60° F skin damage starts -4° C = 26° F tissue freezes Gloves protect to about 17° outside

temp.

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Cold ModifiersCold Modifiers Wind/chill factor- moving air makes it feel

colder than it is. Alcohol consumption Medications Elderly Comfort 68 - 74°F +/- 10° for workload

Hypothermia occurs in

Air temps of 30-50° F and in Water at 72°F

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SOLUTIONS for COLD exposure

Job or Task RotationClothing with chemical heating

processHeated Foot restsDivert HVAC systemErgo Breaks

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What determines productivity?What determines productivity?

The speed of the machine? OR

The speed of the worker? OR

The StaminaStamina of the worker?

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The Stamina of the WorkerThe strength or endurance to resist fatigue.

“Errors increase and productivity decreases with worker

FATIGUE.”

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What is REST REST ?

Relief periods from exertion, movement or employment activities

Needed to recover from physical as well as mental work.

It is influenced by work rate, intensity, duration, physical and/or mental fitness.

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Ways to get a Rest Break

Spontaneous – just Stop Administrative - built into the schedule Engineered - Pace of the machine or task Hidden – Do light duty for a time

30-180 seconds = Ergo Breaks.

Regular vs. Ergo Breaks = Static Muscle vs. Circulation

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How Do We Control or Prevent the persistent injury? “ERGO Breaks”

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Fact All tissue that has gone to fatigue due to

OVER-use can recover with UNDER use IF rest is applied in a timely manner.

Overuse that is unchecked leads to micro tears at the cellular level that can be extended by behavior, carelessness and inadequate recovery time.

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Sleep patterns – (difficulty adapting to changes in shifts effects rest)

Older workers may have more difficulty getting to sleep.

Older workers may need more sleep for their bodies to recover from fatigue

ALL workers may have sleep issues with SHIFT WORK.

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Sleep as an Sleep as an ErgoErgo Issue Issue During the 20th century, the average

number of hours people spend asleep per night in more developed countries decreased from 9 hours to 6.8 hours

The change has been made to accommodate increased demands of work and more leisure activities

Millions of shift workers average less than 5 hours sleep per day

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2010Hours of Sleep for US Adults

5 hours or less 13%6 hours 29%7 hours 37%8 or more 24%

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20% of adults are shift workers; 56% fall asleep on the job each week.30% report such incidents occur more than three times per week.30% report such incidents occur more than three times per week.23%-37% increase in injuries w/ extended hrs.23%-37% increase in injuries w/ extended hrs.

For more than half of all workers sleepiness diminishes: Concentration at work The amount of work accomplished The quality of work Sleep deprivation costs $100 billion annuallySleep deprivation costs $100 billion annually

Shift WorkShift Work“Blue Collar Jet Lag”

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Sleep DeprivationSleep DeprivationERGO Consequences

Skills that are especially vulnerable to fatigue and sleep loss are uniquely human: Motivation Creativity Judgement Decision-making processes Interpersonal harmony

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Short and Long Term Opportunities for Improvement

for the Aging Worker’s Environment

Ergonomics Assessments Neutral Postures- “Power Zone”Body Mechanics/Lifting TechniqueFitness Programs- Ergo Stretches

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So what do you think of when you hear the word- ERGONOMICS?

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Ergonomics is from the Greek meaning:

Ergon (work) and Nomos (Law)

Often used like Human Factors which also involves cognitive ergonomics issues.

It is the blending of the work place to the worker notnot the other way around.

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Ergonomics Review

What are the PrimaryPrimary Risk Factors for Ergonomics Injuries?Risk Factors for Ergonomics Injuries?

Posture –awkward and/or static positions Force- lift, grip, pinch, push / pull, carry Repetition- frequency & speed over time Contact Stress- focused, sustained or

suddenly applied with compressive force Vibration- segmental or whole body over

time, frequency and amplitude

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Short & Long Term Opportunities for Improvement of the

Aging Worker’s Environment

Ergonomics Assessments Neutral Postures- “Power Zone”Body Mechanics/Lifting TechniqueFitness Programs- Ergo Stretches

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Posture Awareness-Posture Awareness- Buys Time

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Blending the worker with the workplace Primary Work Zone - 16”

Secondary Work Zone – 24”

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There is no single “correct” posture

“ 90-degree” PostureReclining PostureForward tilt PostureStanding Posture

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Work OptionsWork Options

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Posture in the office setting► Where are the tense

muscles?

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Posture in the Industrial settingWhere are the tense muscles?

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Posture & Body Mechanics Healthcare Issues

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Health Care Workers

24% of all injuries over all occupations in Health Care involve the Lower Back

Healthcare is 4.5 times more likely to injure the lower back

Nurses annually have 40-50% incidence Lifetime 35-80 % chance depending on the

research 1/3 with lower back injuries do not return to

work. Average age of nurses is over 45 years! Detroit News / The Ergonomics Report 10-13-04

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Awkward PosturesAwkward Postures - - Low work

Bending

Kneeling

Squatting

Changes forces to other structures

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Static PosturesStatic Postures = = Holding the same position or using the same muscles for extended periods of time

Static postures, or positions that a worker must hold for long periods of time, can restrict blood flow and damage muscles

Before: Mechanic maintains a static posture holding arms and hands elevated while repairing aircraft

Ergonomic Improvement: Creeper supports mechanic and brings him closer to the task

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Short & Long Term Opportunities for Improvement of the

Aging Worker’s Environment

Ergonomics Assessments Neutral Postures- “Power Zone”Body Mechanics/Lifting TechniqueFitness Programs- Ergo Stretches

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Lifting Posture as a Source of Injury Risk

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Awkward Lifting-RED FLAGS

=Lifting above the shoulders, below the knees or at arms’ length

► How do you make this safe?How do you make this safe?

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Alternatives to LiftingAlternatives to Lifting Use carts, handtrucks, hoists, conveyors

or other mechanical assistance

Slide objects instead of lifting them- Air tables or trash bags

Store heavy items where you won’t have to bend or reach to lift them- Primary work zone

Use ladders to get items down from high shelves

(

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PRINCIPLES OF

LIFTING Ergonomics Challenges and Solutions for an

Aging Workforce

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PRINCIPLES of GOOD LIFTING

Stand Close to the Load Face the Load Place the Feet Securely Take a Firm Grip Lift With the Legs - NOT with the Back Lift - Do Not Jerk Come Fully Upright Turn with the Legs - Not with the Back

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MAXIMUM Safe LiftNIOSH Lifting Formula

Recommended Weight Limit (RWL) for Lifting

RWL = 51lbs x HM x VM x DM x AM x FM X CM

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Short & Long Term Opportunities for Improvement of the

Aging Worker’s Environment

Ergonomics Assessments Neutral Postures- “Power Zone”Body Mechanics/Lifting TechniqueFitness Programs- Ergo Stretches

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“Ergo Breaks”for

Industrial Athletes

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At our BEST we still can’t prevent all possible events!

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Questions?

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References Periodicals & Proceedings

Many references used to develop this workshop are

provided on the previous slides. The following are some

of the more significant ones.

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References Periodicals & Proceedings

Labor Force Projections to 2012:The Graying of the U.S. Workforce; Monthly Labor Review Online February2004, Vol., 127, No.2,Bureau of Labor Statistics. www.bls.gov

Fatigue: What is it ? Physical Therapy Journal Vol 86 #8 1146-49 Aug 06

OSHA Home Page- www.osha.gov WISHA – www.lni.wa.gov

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References Periodicals & Proceedings

CAL- OSHA- www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/ Oregon OSHA – www.orosha.org Cornell University –

http://ergo.human.cornell.edu/ Human Factors/Ergonomics Society (HFES) –

www.hfes.org National Institutes of Health- www.nih.gov/ NIOSH - www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/ National Safety Council – www.nsc.org

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THANK YOU!

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Back School of Atlanta

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Atlanta, GA 30318-2631

Toll free - 800-783-7536

Ph: 404-355-7756

Fax: 404-355-3907www.backschoolofatlanta.com

[email protected]

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Ergonomics Challenges and Solutions

for an Aging Workforce

Central Florida Chapter ASSE

Ergonomics Workshop

June 6, 2011

Ronald W. Porter, PT CEAS [email protected]

Back School of Atlantawww.backschoolofatlanta.com

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